Marketwatch reported that the health care law requires most people to have insurance by Jan. 1, but allows for a coverage gap of up to three months before imposing the individual penalty. The problem, the business news outlet noted, is that while the gap gives individuals until March 31 to be covered, the plans kick in on the first of each month. Theoretically, that means individuals would actually need to be covered by March 1 to avoid a penalty.

Marketwatch also reported that buyers who want to be certain of avoiding a penalty would actually have to apply by Feb. 15 because it takes up to two weeks for insurance applications to be processed.

Attributing an HHS official, Marketwatch reported that the administration is now working to revise policies to make sure the deadlines line up. The news outlet, however, reported that the administration declined to say whether individuals who apply for coverage in March would face a penalty. The outlet reported the administration may extend the deadline to apply beyond Feb. 15.

"We are exploring options currently, and will issue guidance at a later date," the HHS official told Marketwatch.

Talks about tweaking the deadlines come as enrollments on the federal health exchanges have been plagued by technical difficulties.

Industries:

Comments

If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.